Teenager shot by police, family's attorney says

An 18-year-old who died following a violent confrontation outside a West Tennessee Street nightclub last month was shot and killed by Tallahassee police, his family's attorney says.

In an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, attorney Mutaqee Akbar also questioned whether officers were right in firing their weapons at Duane Strong Jr. in the first place. Based on information he's received from several witnesses and law enforcement, Akbar said it appears the shooting of Strong outside the Cheeks Sports Bar and Lounge May 29 was not justified.

"What I know thus far, it does not sound like it. But I am waiting on the report," Akbar said Tuesday.

He was quick to say that he is still awaiting the outcome of TPD's investigation.

Police officials, who met with Akbar and Strong's mother June 5 at the police department, said they would not comment on the incident, which will be taken before a grand jury June 23.

"Due to the pending presentment to the grand jury, TPD will not be able to release any details of the case at this time," TPD spokesman David Northway said.

The shooting was the second shooting at Cheeks and the second officer-involved killing this year.

Tallahassee police said Strong refused to get out of his Dodge Charger when officers responded to sounds of gunshots in the club's rear parking lot about 3 a.m. Strong then sped away, collided with a car and nearly hit an officer. Officers fired shots at the car before an officer on White Drive crashed his patrol car into Strong's in order to get him to stop.

Police have only confirmed that officers fired shots, but have not confirmed that Strong was shot.

Akbar contends Strong was shot twice: once in his right-side ribs and heart, and another time in his back, according to what he's been told from Tillman Funeral Home, which handled Strong's burial on Saturday.

The State Medical Examiner's Office has not released a cause of death or an autopsy, however Akbar said it's "undisputed" Strong died from gunshot wounds.

Akbar said during the meeting with Strong's family, TPD said two guns were found in Strong's car, but provided few other details on the incident.

Akbar said he wonders why officers were so focused on Strong when there were other people in the parking lot. He is counting on the final report and what was said over the radio to provide a more detailed account of the night's events.

"If there was nothing in there saying he was a direct suspect, then I don't' see how it could be justifiable," Akbar said.

Akbar said police could have stopped Strong using other methods.

Akbar said TPD told him they would recommend charges to the state attorney if any of the officer's actions rose to the level of culpable negligence.

One issue Akbar said TPD is facing is witnesses not willing to come forward because they fear retribution from police if they speak out against them.

Strong spent just a few months at a series of high schools including Success Academy, Rickards High School and Second Chance before he withdrew from Capital City High School in October 2012, said Chris Petley, spokesman for Leon County Schools.

Strong eventually got his GED while in a juvenile program, Akbar said, and had plans to go to Tallahassee Community College.

Akbar conceded information could emerge from the TPD investigation that could differ with what he's been told. Until then, the family, his sister, mother and step father continue to wait.

"We're being patient with the investigation to hopefully find out what happened," he said.